Racine – Henry James Bester, 68, affectionately known to many as "Big John", passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in West Allis on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Henry was born in Laurel, MS on November 20, 1940 to James and Virgie Bester. On June 13, 1959 in Laurel, he was united in marriage with his lifelong love, Kizzie Washington.

Fishing, hunting, motorcycles, working on cars, socializing and spoiling children were some of John's passions. He retired from the JI Case Company in 1995.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Kizzie; their children, Janet Bester, Cynthia (Rev. Joe) Buckley, James (Sherri) Bester, Johnnie Mae Bester, Henry Lee (Angela) Bester, Yvonne Williams, Virgie Bester, Kenneth Bester, Clifton Bester, Cedric Bester and Lakaeshia Bester; many adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Willie (Flora) Bester and Bennie Bester; sisters, Idella Redding and Geneva (Gurwell) McGee; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends (especially Robert and Mae Perry; Glasper and Ruth Overstreet) too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his son, Harvey L. Bester; mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law and 3 brothers-in-law.

Homegoing services will be celebrated on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 11:00 am in New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Fred L. Richmond, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in New Omega Church on Monday from 10-11 am.

Special thanks to the doctors and staff of All Saints Clinic, Hospital and Dialysis; and the staff of West Allis Memorial Select Specialty – 6th Floor. Also, to my family and friends for the flowers, prayers, calls, food and support – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love, Kizzie